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Backside of a foamlatex mask on October 01, 2015 in Munich, Germany. Female masks exist in myriad craftmanships and are most often purchased online. Made from materials like foam latex or silicon, prices vary from approximately 30 Euro from mass producers up to ca. 2000 Euros from specialised crafters. The type of Leyla's mask is available from online shops for around 50 Euro.
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Female masker Katrina, 46, has a drink in a restaurant August 20, 2015 in Hannover, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She likes to provoke and show people that 'there is something else' to what they know. "What fascinates me is the immunity. The ‘being-me’. You are encapsulated. Like in a cocoon. They don’t see you. They don’t see your mimic, if you laugh or if you cry. The unknown behind it. This anonymity."
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Female masker Katrina, 46, goes for a walk in the city August 20, 2015 in Hannover, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She likes to provoke and show people that 'there is something else' to what they know. Female Masking is rooted in the motivation of living out one's female side and is performed by both hetero- and homosexual people. For many it goes beyond a sheer fetish and has become a lifestyle. "What fascinates me is the immunity. The ‘being-me’. You are encapsulated. Like in a cocoon. They don’t see you. They don’t see your mimic, if you laugh or if you cry. The unknown behind it. This anonymity." - Female masker Katrina, 46
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During her walk through the city, female masker and transsexual woman Katrina, 46, is being observed by a child, August 20, 2015 in Hannover, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She likes the experience of 'immunity' when wearing her masks, as well as the provocation when going out in public, showing people that 'there is something else to what they know'.
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Female masker and transsexual woman Katrina, 46, interacts with a girl that curiously touches her mask, August 20, 2015 in Hannover, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She likes to provoke and show people that 'there is something else' to what they know.
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Suitcase of female masker and transsexual woman Katrina, 46, containing 'rubberdoll' equipment that she brings to a barbecue with friends August 21, 2015 in Hannover, Germany. Female Masking is rooted in the motivation of living out one's female side and is performed by both hetero- and homosexual people. Katrina likes the experience of immunity when wearing her masks, as well as the provocation when going out in public.
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Female masker Katrina, 46, goes for a walk in the city August 20, 2015 in Hannover, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She likes to provoke and show people that 'there is something else' to what they know. "In latex I am courageous. I like the provocation when going out in public as a rubberdoll. You don’t see latex on every street corner, in the eyes of most people you are perverted or abnormal. That makes me think ‘I show you that there is something else’. "
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Female masker Katrina, 46, is observed by a group of young men after refreshing herself in the fountains in front of the train station August 20, 2015 in Hannover, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She likes to provoke and show people that 'there is something else' to what they know. "In latex I am courageous. I like the provocation when going out in public as a rubberdoll. You don’t see latex on every street corner, in the eyes of most people you are perverted or abnormal. That makes me think ‘I show you that there is something else’. "
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Female masker Katrina, 46, gets out of her friend's car to go to the supermarket August 20, 2015 in Elze, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She like the provoke and show people that 'there is something else'. "In latex I am courageous. I like the provocation when going out in public as a rubberdoll. You don’t see latex on every street corner, in the eyes of most people you are perverted or abnormal. That makes me think ‘I show you that there is something else’."
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ELZE, GERMANY - AUGUST 20, 2015: Female masker Katrina, 46, walks inside the supermarket August 20, 2015 in Elze, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She like the provoke and show people that 'there is something else'.
"In latex I am courageous. I like the provocation when going out in public as a rubberdoll. You don’t see latex on every street corner, in the eyes of most people you are perverted or abnormal. That makes me think ‘I show you that there is something else’. "
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MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 04, 2015: Female maskers and transsexual women Katrina, 46, (L) and Leyla alias 'Bear Girl', 39, (R ) take a rest on a bench on their way to the Oktoberfest on October 04, 2015 in Munich, Germany. It is the first time they meet. Due to social pressures, the masking community is a hidden and small subculture. Their members often live hundreds of kilometres away from each other, many of them scared to take their lifestyle out of their four walls, rendering real-life meet-ups a rare occasion.
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Female masker Katrina (L), 46, and Leyla alias 'Bear Girl' (R), 39, check the timetable for the subway to take to the Oktoberfest on October 04, 2015 in Munich, Germany. It is the first time they meet. Due to social pressures, the masking community is a hidden and small subculture. Their members often live hundreds of kilometres away from each, many of them scared to take their lifestyle out of their four walls, rendering real-life meet-ups a rare occasion.
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Female masker Katrina (R), 46, and Leyla alias 'Bear Girl' (L), 39, take the subway to the Oktoberfest on October 04, 2015 in Munich, Germany. It is the first time they meet. Due to social pressures, the masking community is a hidden and small subculture. Their members often live hundreds of kilometres away from each, many of them scared to take their lifestyle out of their four walls, rendering real-life meet-ups a rare occasion.
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Female masker and transsexual woman Leyla alias 'Bear Girl', 39, (L) takes a look at gingerbread hearts at the Oktoberfest, on October 01, 2015 in Munich, Germany. Since her alter egos form a deeper part of herself, she wears her mask and costumes at least once a week, presenting a way of relaxation and stress relief. Female Masking is rooted in the motivation of living out one's female side and is performed by both hetero- and homosexual people. For many it goes beyond a sheer fetish and has become a lifestyle. Munich Germany
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Gloves made from latex in the appearance of female hands and arms, sometimes used by female maskers in combination with mask and full-body suits, August 05, 2015 in Augsburg, Germany. Female Masking is rooted in the motivation of living out one's female side and is performed by both hetero- and homosexual people. For many it goes beyond a sheer fetish and has become a lifestyle.
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Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams' (back), helps fellow masker Andreas alias 'Emily Hofer', 46, (front) to put on his wig, September 27, 2015 in Munich, Germany. It is the first time the two maskers, who are both heterosexual men, meet in real-life to exchange ideas on their lifestyle. Especially for Andreas, who never went public, it is a helpful opportunity to get advice from a more experienced masker. His mask represents a high-end product in the masker scene and is available in combination with a full-body transformation suit, costing several thousand Euro.
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Female Masker Christian alias Chrissie Seams waits in front of the registry office where he attends a friend's wedding, July 14, 2016 in Augsburg, Germany.
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AUGSBURG, GERMANY - JULY 14, 2016: Female Masker Christian alias Chrissie Seams (L) stands in the registry office after the wedding of his friends, July 14, 2016 in Augsburg, Germany.
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A dog smells the hand of female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams', during his visit at a friend's hair salon where his alter ego will get a new hair dress, on February 19, 2016 in Munich, Germany.
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Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams' gets his lighter out of his hand-bag in order to light his cigarette, October 02, 2015, Germany. Going public is is rare in the masking community due to social pressures.
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Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams' (L) and Manu alias 'Mina' (R) are spoken to by a car driver while going for a walk in Augsburg, October 02, 2015, Germany. Going public is is rare in the masking community due to social pressures.
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Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams' (C), takes the escalator in a shopping mall, followed by fellow masker Manu alias 'Mina', October 03, 2015 in Augsburg, Germany. Going public is rare in the masking community due to social pressures.
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Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams', double the age as his alter ego, wears his transparent latex suit with breast inlays, October 03, 2015 in Augsburg, Germany. He has been a masker for 18 years, yet only went public about a year ago. Commonly regarded as a loss of authority, respectability and attractiveness towards women, a man's gravitation towards femininity contradicts socially accepted norms, restricting many members of the community to their own four walls and online presence.
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Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams' (C) speaks to children in a shopping mall in Augsburg, October 02, 2015, Germany. Going public is is rare in the masking community due to social pressures.
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Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams', half the age as the person behind the mask, goes shopping in a latex store, September 26, 2015 in Munich, Germany. Being a heterosexual and cisgender man, Chrissie Seams' lifestyle of female masking is based on his latex-fetish, as it is for many other maskers. Since he only likes seeing latex on women, he cannot gain anything from wearing latex as a male, hence transforms into his female alter ego 'Chrissie Seams'.
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Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams', puts on his mask on a parking deck, October 02, 2015, in Augsburg, Germany. Since he avoids driving car when wearing a mask due to impaired vision and movement, he usually searches for a quiet parking space to finalise the look of his alter ego.
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The bust of female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams' is on display in the studio of a make-up artist for film and theatre, October 10, 2015 in Augsburg, Germany. It is the first time the make-up artist was commissioned by female maskers to create tailor-made masks, that are aimed to resemble the women pictured on the photographs. Chrissie Seams chose famous actress Lucy Liu (center photograph) for his new appearance while his fellow masker decided for the lady on the right photo, resulting in the semifinished silicon mask underneath. With silicon, the faces are crafted onto busts in order to create the final masks; these will match the maskers' faces on the insides, enhancing the wearing comfort as well as the realistic appearances by transmitting facial movements.
Backside of a foamlatex mask on October 01, 2015 in Munich, Germany. Female masks exist in myriad craftmanships and are most often purchased online. Made from materials like foam latex or silicon, prices vary from approximately 30 Euro from mass producers up to ca. 2000 Euros from specialised crafters. The type of Leyla's mask is available from online shops for around 50 Euro.
Female masker Katrina, 46, has a drink in a restaurant August 20, 2015 in Hannover, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She likes to provoke and show people that 'there is something else' to what they know. "What fascinates me is the immunity. The ‘being-me’. You are encapsulated. Like in a cocoon. They don’t see you. They don’t see your mimic, if you laugh or if you cry. The unknown behind it. This anonymity."
Female masker Katrina, 46, goes for a walk in the city August 20, 2015 in Hannover, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She likes to provoke and show people that 'there is something else' to what they know. Female Masking is rooted in the motivation of living out one's female side and is performed by both hetero- and homosexual people. For many it goes beyond a sheer fetish and has become a lifestyle. "What fascinates me is the immunity. The ‘being-me’. You are encapsulated. Like in a cocoon. They don’t see you. They don’t see your mimic, if you laugh or if you cry. The unknown behind it. This anonymity." - Female masker Katrina, 46
During her walk through the city, female masker and transsexual woman Katrina, 46, is being observed by a child, August 20, 2015 in Hannover, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She likes the experience of 'immunity' when wearing her masks, as well as the provocation when going out in public, showing people that 'there is something else to what they know'.
Female masker and transsexual woman Katrina, 46, interacts with a girl that curiously touches her mask, August 20, 2015 in Hannover, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She likes to provoke and show people that 'there is something else' to what they know.
Suitcase of female masker and transsexual woman Katrina, 46, containing 'rubberdoll' equipment that she brings to a barbecue with friends August 21, 2015 in Hannover, Germany. Female Masking is rooted in the motivation of living out one's female side and is performed by both hetero- and homosexual people. Katrina likes the experience of immunity when wearing her masks, as well as the provocation when going out in public.
Female masker Katrina, 46, goes for a walk in the city August 20, 2015 in Hannover, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She likes to provoke and show people that 'there is something else' to what they know. "In latex I am courageous. I like the provocation when going out in public as a rubberdoll. You don’t see latex on every street corner, in the eyes of most people you are perverted or abnormal. That makes me think ‘I show you that there is something else’. "
Female masker Katrina, 46, is observed by a group of young men after refreshing herself in the fountains in front of the train station August 20, 2015 in Hannover, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She likes to provoke and show people that 'there is something else' to what they know. "In latex I am courageous. I like the provocation when going out in public as a rubberdoll. You don’t see latex on every street corner, in the eyes of most people you are perverted or abnormal. That makes me think ‘I show you that there is something else’. "
Female masker Katrina, 46, gets out of her friend's car to go to the supermarket August 20, 2015 in Elze, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She like the provoke and show people that 'there is something else'. "In latex I am courageous. I like the provocation when going out in public as a rubberdoll. You don’t see latex on every street corner, in the eyes of most people you are perverted or abnormal. That makes me think ‘I show you that there is something else’."
ELZE, GERMANY - AUGUST 20, 2015: Female masker Katrina, 46, walks inside the supermarket August 20, 2015 in Elze, Germany. Katrina often goes out as a 'rubberdoll' wearing latex and one of her female masks. She like the provoke and show people that 'there is something else'.
"In latex I am courageous. I like the provocation when going out in public as a rubberdoll. You don’t see latex on every street corner, in the eyes of most people you are perverted or abnormal. That makes me think ‘I show you that there is something else’. "
MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 04, 2015: Female maskers and transsexual women Katrina, 46, (L) and Leyla alias 'Bear Girl', 39, (R ) take a rest on a bench on their way to the Oktoberfest on October 04, 2015 in Munich, Germany. It is the first time they meet. Due to social pressures, the masking community is a hidden and small subculture. Their members often live hundreds of kilometres away from each other, many of them scared to take their lifestyle out of their four walls, rendering real-life meet-ups a rare occasion.
Female masker Katrina (L), 46, and Leyla alias 'Bear Girl' (R), 39, check the timetable for the subway to take to the Oktoberfest on October 04, 2015 in Munich, Germany. It is the first time they meet. Due to social pressures, the masking community is a hidden and small subculture. Their members often live hundreds of kilometres away from each, many of them scared to take their lifestyle out of their four walls, rendering real-life meet-ups a rare occasion.
Female masker Katrina (R), 46, and Leyla alias 'Bear Girl' (L), 39, take the subway to the Oktoberfest on October 04, 2015 in Munich, Germany. It is the first time they meet. Due to social pressures, the masking community is a hidden and small subculture. Their members often live hundreds of kilometres away from each, many of them scared to take their lifestyle out of their four walls, rendering real-life meet-ups a rare occasion.
Female masker and transsexual woman Leyla alias 'Bear Girl', 39, (L) takes a look at gingerbread hearts at the Oktoberfest, on October 01, 2015 in Munich, Germany. Since her alter egos form a deeper part of herself, she wears her mask and costumes at least once a week, presenting a way of relaxation and stress relief. Female Masking is rooted in the motivation of living out one's female side and is performed by both hetero- and homosexual people. For many it goes beyond a sheer fetish and has become a lifestyle. Munich Germany
Gloves made from latex in the appearance of female hands and arms, sometimes used by female maskers in combination with mask and full-body suits, August 05, 2015 in Augsburg, Germany. Female Masking is rooted in the motivation of living out one's female side and is performed by both hetero- and homosexual people. For many it goes beyond a sheer fetish and has become a lifestyle.
Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams' (back), helps fellow masker Andreas alias 'Emily Hofer', 46, (front) to put on his wig, September 27, 2015 in Munich, Germany. It is the first time the two maskers, who are both heterosexual men, meet in real-life to exchange ideas on their lifestyle. Especially for Andreas, who never went public, it is a helpful opportunity to get advice from a more experienced masker. His mask represents a high-end product in the masker scene and is available in combination with a full-body transformation suit, costing several thousand Euro.
Female Masker Christian alias Chrissie Seams waits in front of the registry office where he attends a friend's wedding, July 14, 2016 in Augsburg, Germany.
AUGSBURG, GERMANY - JULY 14, 2016: Female Masker Christian alias Chrissie Seams (L) stands in the registry office after the wedding of his friends, July 14, 2016 in Augsburg, Germany.
A dog smells the hand of female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams', during his visit at a friend's hair salon where his alter ego will get a new hair dress, on February 19, 2016 in Munich, Germany.
Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams' gets his lighter out of his hand-bag in order to light his cigarette, October 02, 2015, Germany. Going public is is rare in the masking community due to social pressures.
Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams' (L) and Manu alias 'Mina' (R) are spoken to by a car driver while going for a walk in Augsburg, October 02, 2015, Germany. Going public is is rare in the masking community due to social pressures.
Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams' (C), takes the escalator in a shopping mall, followed by fellow masker Manu alias 'Mina', October 03, 2015 in Augsburg, Germany. Going public is rare in the masking community due to social pressures.
Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams', double the age as his alter ego, wears his transparent latex suit with breast inlays, October 03, 2015 in Augsburg, Germany. He has been a masker for 18 years, yet only went public about a year ago. Commonly regarded as a loss of authority, respectability and attractiveness towards women, a man's gravitation towards femininity contradicts socially accepted norms, restricting many members of the community to their own four walls and online presence.
Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams' (C) speaks to children in a shopping mall in Augsburg, October 02, 2015, Germany. Going public is is rare in the masking community due to social pressures.
Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams', half the age as the person behind the mask, goes shopping in a latex store, September 26, 2015 in Munich, Germany. Being a heterosexual and cisgender man, Chrissie Seams' lifestyle of female masking is based on his latex-fetish, as it is for many other maskers. Since he only likes seeing latex on women, he cannot gain anything from wearing latex as a male, hence transforms into his female alter ego 'Chrissie Seams'.
Female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams', puts on his mask on a parking deck, October 02, 2015, in Augsburg, Germany. Since he avoids driving car when wearing a mask due to impaired vision and movement, he usually searches for a quiet parking space to finalise the look of his alter ego.
The bust of female masker Christian alias 'Chrissie Seams' is on display in the studio of a make-up artist for film and theatre, October 10, 2015 in Augsburg, Germany. It is the first time the make-up artist was commissioned by female maskers to create tailor-made masks, that are aimed to resemble the women pictured on the photographs. Chrissie Seams chose famous actress Lucy Liu (center photograph) for his new appearance while his fellow masker decided for the lady on the right photo, resulting in the semifinished silicon mask underneath. With silicon, the faces are crafted onto busts in order to create the final masks; these will match the maskers' faces on the insides, enhancing the wearing comfort as well as the realistic appearances by transmitting facial movements.